In July 2018, for Prince Louis’s christening, Prince Harry presented his nephew with a rare and thoughtful gift – a first-edition copy of A.A. Milne’s ‘Winnie the Pooh’. This edition, dating back to 1926, was part of a limited print run of 30,000 copies and Harry reportedly purchased it for an eye-watering £8,000.
Initially, Harry considered gifting a first-edition of Lewis Carroll’s ‘Through the Looking-Glass’, which was priced at £24,000. However, he ultimately decided on Winnie the Pooh, aiming to start a collection of rare books for his nephews and niece, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis to appreciate as they grew older. The sentimental gift also served as a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales’ love for timeless literature.
A close friend revealed at the time: “One of Harry’s happiest childhood memories was being read a bedtime story by his mother. She loved all the old classics and Harry had the brilliant idea of starting a little library of first editions for Louis, Charlotte and George to enjoy as they get older.”
He originally wanted to get Lewis Carroll’s Through The Looking Glass, which was on sale for £24,000, but decided Winnie-The-Pooh would be more suitable for a first tome. Robinson Crusoe was William’s favourite book, but Harry loved all things A.A. Milne.”
For Prince Louis’s christening, the youngest of the Wales children was dressed in a replica of the historic Royal christening gown, originally commissioned by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert for their first daughter’s baptism in 1841.
This gown had been worn by 62 Royal infants over a span of 163 years, with Lady Louise Windsor, daughter of The Earl and Countess of Wessex, being the final Royal to wear it at her christening in 2004.
Due to its fragile appearance, the late Queen decided to preserve the original and commission a copy in 2008.
The responsibility of replicating the gown was given to Angela Kelly, the late Queen’s dressmaker and confidante, who detailed the process in her revealing book ‘The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe’.
To find the perfect lace, Angela, accompanied by dresser Barbara Buckfield, ventured to Italy, all while carrying the invaluable original in her handbag.
Angela revealed that she presented the gown to The Queen at various stages during the nine-month creation process, noting: “Her Majesty was very interested to see how it was developing.”
Lady Louise Windsor’s sibling, James, Viscount Severn, had the honour of being the first Royal tot to be christened in the replica gown back in 2008.
The tradition continued with Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis donning the garment for their own baptisms in 2013, 2015, and 2018, respectively.